This was not my first SHAPE event.

In 2017, when I got frustrated about not getting into the NYC Half Marathon lottery, I signed up for the SHAPE Half Marathon with my running friend Alyssa.  I was so excited to be able to race in Central Park (oblivious that it was a 2 looped hilly course).

In the end, Alyssa could not go but I hooked up with a new friend, Sue and roomed with her, met some of her friends as well as one of the STEM runners.  It was such a fun weekend that Sue and I planned additional NYC race-cations after that.

After TWO NYC Half Marathons in Central Park, I was not anxious to run the SHAPE Half Marathon again..

But this year for the first time, they offered a ONE loop option.  I jumped at it.  Cat and Harlem hills only ONCE. Woo Hoo!  And NYC is usually very beautiful (Cherry Blossom season) this time of year.

1. Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Close call. I was tentatively scheduled to work in NYC April 7-8 and then 10-11.  Returning to the city on April 9 for this race would have been very inconvenient and so I was going DNS.  Luckily, my work travel got postponed.

I took the early morning train to NYC on Saturday.  I walked to my hotel to check in. It was raining then but stayed dry the rest of the day (until dinner.) First I grabbed some lunch

and then I headed to NYRR to pick up my race bib and shirt.

I was near Central Park so of course, I needed to check out the cherry blossoms.

I got lucky and they were at peak so I wandered and wandered taking photos of all the flowering trees in the park (well it seemed that way.)

I was about to head back to my hotel when Cari texted me.  We decided to meet and there was a lot of walking and chatting.

Finally it was time to head back to my hotel…. I walked, of course. And I got caught in the rain again.

I ate my usual pre-race pizza and walked around for a bit before setting in and relaxing in my hotel room.

This time of year it is so hard to dress. for a race. I was so sick of tights and layers that I decided to risk it and bring a skirt and short-sleeved top. There would be bag check so I could bring a jacket for after.

Then I got nervous looking at the forecast… it was cooler than I had hoped so I brought along plan B:

2.Race Day

So 5:30 am came early on Sunday morning.  I brought my breakfast from home (oatmeal) so I was content. I looked at the temps… feels like 30 something.  I immediately changed my outfit to Plan B. Then I heard raindrops (I freaked a little… no rain gear packed!!)

The rain quickly stopped. Phew! I grabbed an Uber to Race Day Central (W 72th St.) and got there around 6:45 am.  The race was not scheduled to begin until 8 am so I had plenty of time to hang out. It was quite chilly.  I shivered but knew that I would warm up once I started running.

There was bag check near the Naumburg Bandshell so I left a bag there with a warmer jacket, beanie, and gloves for afterward.

I did arrive too early and I was COLD!! I walked around the small expo at the Bandshell, entered a raffle and sampled some drinks.

Little by little runners arrived – about 3,000 for each race.

Finally it was time to line up. I was assigned Corral I.  I reluctantly tossed my throwaways…

One of my local running friends was also running this race with her daughter. I was surprised to bump into her (among over 6,000 runners…)

Unfortunately, the half marathon started first so I had to wait at least 15 minutes… brrrrr.

This 5.8 loop race was a first annual. According the website, the start was near W 64th Street.  Runners would complete almost one full counter-clockwise loop of the park, before which they’ll turn left onto the 72nd Street Transverse off West Drive just before the 6-mile mark. The finish line would be just east of the Naumburg Bandshell.

Here is the course map:

Elevation:

The good news was that (unlike my last two Central Park races), I would only have to tackle the hills ONCE!!!!

The race is a blur as usual but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-3:

Like any NYRR race, the first mile/mile-and-a-half, was a bit congested. The half marathoners started first but eventually, I would run into the slow runners/walkers.

It didn’t take me long to get warm and roll down my arm sleeves.  The hills were rolling but they didn’t seem too bad. The weather was perfect.  There were water stops at each mile.  I am pretty sure than I skipped the first two.

So the first few miles were wonderful. All cherry blossom trees had blossomed and it was just a picture-perfect day. I started looking at all the women around me and felt so inspired. This is an all women’s race which makes it special. There were tutus and bright colors and women cheering on other women. It was just so upbeat and empowering!

This was my third time this year racing in the park.  I felt like I knew what was coming. Once we were on the east side of the loop – there was the first BIG hill – Cat hill.

This time there were a bunch of volunteers playing music and cheering us on sitting next to the cat. I even tried to RUN the whole thing!!

The scenery was awesome and my legs felt strong (in spite of all the miles walked the previous day.)

Miles 4-5.8:

As usual, after the first few miles, I started slowing down. The biggest problem today was that I didn’t think I needed to bring any fuel.  I usually eat a GU at mile 4.  But I didn’t have anything. I stopped at the water stop and I definitely felt my energy waning.  I even missed Fred! (his statue, that is).

The second big challenge was Harlem Hill – about a half mile of steepness and I didn’t even attempt to run the whole thing.  All the volunteers along the hill were great, though, cheering us on and telling us we were almost at the top (I appreciated their lies LOL). There was even a band with drummers. It was nice to know that once I reached the top of the hill, the hardest part of the course was over.

I was getting warm and realized that I could have worn my Plan A outfit.  I took off my arm sleeves and gloves but since I was wearing capris with no shorties, I had to throw them away (instead of tucking them in the shorts for another time).

Now we were on the west side of the loop and nearing the end…

Did I feel guilty not running the half? A little but then again, this was a taper fun run in preparation for a half marathon the week after.

Finally there was the sign (at 72nd) for the 5.8 runners to turn left and head to the finish line.

I was running out of gas but I did my best to look happy as I crossed. (official photos not available yet.)

3. Post Race:

No medal for the 5.8 runners but immediately, we were given a water and a heat blanket.

I grabbed some food (bagel, apple, pretzels) and headed to retrieve my bag.  I was very sweaty so needed my jacket (even though it had warmed up quite a bit from the morning.)

I found Cari and we walked out of park to our brunch location where we would be meeting Elizabeth.

Brunch was outstanding as was the company.

We strolled together stopping in a book store and a gluten-free bakery before we bid farewell.  And of course, I walked all the way back to my hotel.

I still had time between checking out of the hotel and catching my train back home.  So I walked around the Macy’s Flower Show and Bryant Park (got rained on again briefly. lol.)

4. Additional race reflections:

It was strange to spend the weekend in NYC and not run 13.1 miles.  In the end, it was a good decision.. No regrets.

The Good:

• Organized packet pick-up at NYRR (several days before and even on Saturday and race day)
• Lots of porta potties at the start and throughout the course
• Rea restrooms in the park
• Bag Check
• Organized corral start (by pace) for both races.
• Beautiful course through scenic Central Park with cherry blossoms at their peak.
• Lots of water stops (every mile) and all had Gatorade.
• The runners and their contagious excitement.
• ALL WOMENS RACE
• Great crowd support along the course.
• Free one-year subscription to Health magazine
• Perfect weather.
• One loop option in addition to the half marathon.
• Small expo and music after.
• Immediate results
• 5 year age group (awards mailed)
• Free photos

The Bad:

• The Hills.
• No expo at packet pick-up.
• Chilly morning temps

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, definitely.

Overall, I really loved this race. The course was beautiful yet challenging. The weather was perfect. The energy of the volunteers and all the women running were spectacular.

5. Final Stats:

Splits:

But a PR since I had never raced this distance before.  I had no goals and I had no idea if this was a decent finish time for this course since most of the time I have run TWO loops.

I looked after the race:

5M = 9:24 pace, 10K = 9:26 – in 2018 and 2019 and age group winners both times.

And yes, I have obviously slowed down but I am still out there.

No aches and pains.  Feet feeling great!!!

I am very happy!!!

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

This was the original title for this post. (I write them sometimes months in advance):

Thanks to Judy for providing me with more information on what I already believed (You can read the article if you are interested.)

And yes, I still believe that ST is NOT necessary to improve your running..

But, it seemed hypocritical to post about it since I have been using the machines at the gym 3x a week for the past month.

So I am going to instead post the positive and negatives of my gym experience.

It may be totally individual to me, though.

Here’s some specifics:

• I do not work out at home.
• At the gym, I have not used the bike, treadmill, any weights, the pool or run on the indoor track.
• Nor have I taken any classes.
• My membership is free until June 4, 2022.

I drink coffee, get in the car, and arrive at the gym usually by 6:30 am.  I use almost all the machines and then drive home, have breakfast and start my work day by 8 am.

Pros:

• A positive way to start the day.
• A short drive from my home.
• I work from home so I don’t have to change my clothes after.
• I can go at any time of day.
• There are a big variety of machines that work different muscles.
• I can work as hard as I choose.
• I can choose which muscle groups to work on.
• No computer screens.
• Quiet time. No talking by others 

Cons:

• If I am up early, I’d rather be outside running.
• It is time consuming wiping down the machines after each use.
• Sometimes you have to wait until a machine is available.
• You have to remember the individual settings on each machine.
• It is crowded at certain times of day.
• There is a fine line between over doing and not working hard enough.
• Gym doesn’t open until 8 am on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays (due to COVID).

I know that this is only ONE option to working out.

Many runners work out at home.  But I don’t own any equipment.

And I may be weird but I do not like REMOTE instruction…  YouTube videos, Peleton etc. I stare at a computer screen all day and the last thing I want to do is watch someone doing yoga or leading a workout. My favorite use for Peleton was for the outdoor runs…

My gym plans for the future?

I don’t think it is worth it for me to join the Y. My FREE local gym is still closed (since the pandemic) but I would love to see it open up again!! And I would go regularly, I think.

But back to my original post:

So if you don’t strength train, what things could you do to that may improve your running?

• Run more.

Consistency is key to better running.  If you are tired or sore, instead of skipping a run, just slow it down. (Remember if you walk, you are still a runner.)

• Run longer.

Running 4-5 miles every weekend will not give you speed or endurance.  You don’t have to increase it a lot (10% is recommended). If the increased mileage makes you sore or tired, go back and forth (increase then go back down, then increase again.)

• Lose weight.

Extra pounds can have a negative impact on your health and on your running especially on your joints (and knees).  You don’t have to go on an extreme diet but just be more mindful about what you eat and how active you are.

• Do Drills/Running Workouts

You know what I mean: tempo runs, hill repeats, fartleks, progression runs, intervals, etc.  They will seem challenging but may improve your running.

• Race.

The crowd support, race adrenaline, competition, etc. that can only happen in a race may improve your running.

Happy Running! Do you do a lot of strength training? Do you go to a gym? Has it improved your running? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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So it’s Tuesday and I am linking up  with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) for Tuesday Topics.

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Several months ago, a friend posted the info below on FB.  As I approach the end of another decade, I decided that this would be as good a time as any to discuss the “old” age issue.

An extensive study in the U.S.A found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The 2nd most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age..
The average age of NOBEL PRIZE winners is 62 years old. The average age of the presidents of prominent companies in the world is 63 years. The average age of the pastors of the 100 largest churches in the U.S.A. is 71. The average age of the Popes is 76 years.
This tells us in a way that it has been determined, that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 years.
A study published in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found that at age 60, you reach the TOP of your potential and this continues into your 80s.
Therefore, if you are between 60 -70 or 70-80 you are in the BEST and 2nd level of your life. (SOURCE: N.Engl.J .Med. 70,389 (2018))

This info, of course, confirmed what I’ve believed.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! (And like fine wine, we get better with age! lol)

So you younger runners, do not worry that you will need to rest more, run less, go to bed earlier, sit in your rocker in the evening and drink herbal tea (unless you want to do these things…)

If you stay healthy, you do not have to slow down.

As an a runner who started running at age 55, I was afraid that I was too old to run a half marathon (and definitely too old to ever run a full marathon).

However, of the 56 half marathons that I’ve completed, only 6 were run before the age of 60! I ran the NYC Marathon at age 66.

That being said, most likely your PR days will be over, your finish times will slow down but that’s why they give out age group awards.  You should NEVER compare yourself to younger runners and especially not to your younger self.

So embrace the fact that you are still able to do something that brings you joy.

Happy Running! So how old do you consider “old?’  Has it changed since you started running?  Do you plan to keep running even into your 70s, 80s, 90s? Please share.

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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I’m linking up also with this link-up: